SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE-A:

This position offers an opportunity for a qualified food scientist to contribute to national and international food safety and quality assurance within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Based in Pretoria, the role sits within the Food Safety and Quality Assurance directorate and is structured as an OSD-graded Scientist Production post. The incumbent will be responsible for protecting consumers and facilitating trade by ensuring that agricultural products destined for export, import, and the local market meet rigorous safety, composition, packaging, marking, and labelling standards. The work is highly regulatory and scientific, requiring a blend of laboratory knowledge, legal interpretation, and stakeholder engagement.

Candidates must hold a Science degree at Honours level in Food Sciences, Food Technology, or a related qualification, and must be registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist. A minimum of three years of post-qualification experience is required. The role demands a thorough understanding of public service and departmental prescripts, the Public Finance Management Act, the Agricultural Products Standard Act, and international agreements and conventions related to sanitary and food quality matters. Familiarity with export and import requirements, relevant legislation, norms, and standards is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong skills in programme and project management, scientific methodologies, research and development, data analysis, technical report writing, and legal compliance. Additional competencies include professional judgment, presentation and mentoring abilities, team leadership, analytical thinking, creativity, financial management, communication, networking, people management, planning, conflict and change management, and problem-solving.

The core duties involve developing and implementing methodologies, systems, and procedures for food quality control. The scientist will evaluate, compile, and amend regulations, product standards, policies, and guidelines, ensuring alignment with international food safety requirements. This includes drafting regulations and export standards, identifying food safety risks by monitoring international best practices and local conditions, conducting needs assessments, and coordinating the publication of legal notices in the government gazette. The role also involves providing technical advice on the interpretation and application of the legislative framework, evaluating labels and marking requirements, conducting import and export risk assessments, and issuing certification documentation. The scientist will process applications for dispensations and registrations, manage databases related to registrations, maximum residue limits, and standards, and disseminate international trends to local industries. Research and development form a key component, as does liaison with national and international stakeholders, including participation in forums such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The position also carries supervisory responsibilities, including mentoring, training, and developing staff, managing performance, and overseeing scientific work processes.

This post is subject to special conditions, including extended working hours and the handling of hazardous chemicals. The department has set equity targets for African Males and Indian Females, as well as persons with disability, and encourages applicants from these groups. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a professional scientist seeking to influence food safety policy and practice at both national and international levels.